Measurement of the properties of woven CFRP T300/914 at different strain rates

Three types of test, i.e. tension, compression and in-plane shear, have been carried out to measure the in-plane mechanical properties of woven CFRP T300/914 laminates at three different strain rates. Specimens were waisted symmetrically in the thickness direction. Difficulties presented in testing specimens with 90° reinforcement in compression and [±45] in tension at high strain rate are discussed. To obtain the modulus in [90] compression and in [±45] tension at high strain rate, specimens with uniform thickness have to be used. Results show linear elastic properties in both of the [0] and [90] directions. Under tension, the specimens remain virtually linear elastic up to failure. Plastic deformation occurred before total failure in compression tests. Tensile tests on [±45] specimens give non-linear stress strain curves. Results show that properties dominated by matrix, i.e. compression strength, Poissonʹs ratio and in-plane shear modulus and shear strength are strain rate dependent and properties dominated by the fibres, such as tensile modulus and strength in [0] and [90] directions are virtually rate independent.